DisneyFanatic.com The Latest News, Advice, and Perspective from Disney Fans for Disney Fans!
On November 16, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products shared the company’s new approaches to operations and inclusion in the wake of 2020 via a keynote session of IAAPA Expo Virtual Education Conference.
As shared by IAAPA.org: Josh D’Amaro delivered a message of hope and inspiration to the global attractions industry: “Our industry is hurting. It’s hurting from the presence of COVID-19 in our communities. But unlike some industries impacted by the pandemic, our industry is here to stay and it’s here to grow.”
The guest connection remained forefront in 2020 as the company rolled out the #DisneyMagicMoments campaign, which brought the excitement of a park visit into homes all over the world.
When time came to reopen, Disney applied lessons learned from park to park, relying on technology to reduce touchpoints in the facilities, encourage social distancing, and more. “In our industry it’s more important than ever we reached out both for help and for support to others in the travel and tourism business,” D’Amaro said. “That included airlines, hotel companies, and others who have been outstanding partners with us throughout the years. These businesses were hurting just as bad as we were and it’s going to take teamwork throughout our whole industry to recover. The good news is now more than ever people need shared experiences. They need adventure. They need travel.”
Bonus Tip!
BONUS TIP: Consider planning and booking your next Disney trip with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner you can trust like Mickey Travels. They’ll help you get the best Disney travel deal, share expert advice and their services are totally FREE! It’s genius! Discover More >
In September this year, the company announced it would be adding a fifth key to its “Four Keys” guiding principles: inclusion. “Events in the U.S. forced us to look across our entire business with an updated lens and frankly we have some work to do both on stage and backstage. And at Disney, a company steeped in traditions and heritage, change isn’t always easy,” D’Amaro said. “When we say, ‘To all who come to this happy place, welcome,’ that means everyone, both cast and guests. And … that’s a tradition that goes back to Walt Disney himself.”
“We believe that truly inclusive environment is critical to fostering ideas from all people to help us grow, innovate, and create the best stories possible,” D’Amaro said. More information about Disney’s backstage commitment to inclusivity will be rolling out in the next few months. Guest facing changes, like the reimagining of “Splash Mountain,” have been expedited to ensure that all who visit the company’s parks do feel welcome as well.
“In the world that we find ourselves in today, optimism, innovation, and courage, they will ultimately win the day,” D’Amaro said. “With the emboldened spirit that comes from the challenges of the COVID crisis, with the hope and optimism that our brand captures even in the toughest of times, let’s ask ourselves why not take our guests to the moon or bring the moon to our guests? Why not dream as big as possible? And challenge the very meaning of the word impossible.”
Source: IAAPA.org
